CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The familiar sound of holiday bells will soon return as The Salvation Army of Champaign County launches its annual Give With Joy Red Kettle Campaign today at noon at Prairie Gardens, 3000 Springfield Avenue in Champaign.
The ceremonial kickoff will feature the Salvation Army Brass Band and local representatives as the first bell of the season rings to signal the start of the iconic fundraising drive.
This year, the organization hopes to raise $200,000 to help fund essential programs that serve more than 90,000 Champaign County residents each year, including food assistance, emergency shelter, veterans’ services, and youth programs.
“The holidays can be incredibly tough for those already struggling to make ends meet,” said Captains Kenyon and Melissa Sivels, officers of The Salvation Army of Champaign County. “But we’ve also seen how compassionate our community can be. Every donation, large or small, helps one of our neighbors move one step closer to stability and peace.”
The need is especially urgent this year, with the Salvation Army Food Pantry reporting a 50 percent increase in visitors in recent weeks. Funds raised through the Red Kettle campaign will help ensure local families have access to food and critical support services throughout the year.
Community members can donate in person at red kettles across Champaign County or online at SAChampaign.org, and volunteers can sign up to ring bells at RegisterToRing.com.